No agreement after meeting with mediator

Published 8:00 pm, Tuesday, December 17, 2002

A meeting between a state mediator, Midland Public Schools officials and members of the Midland City Education Association Tuesday did not result in a contract agreement.

"Unfortunately we did not get a resolution," said Joe Schmidt, MPS human resources director. "There could be another meeting. The mediator will wait to be contacted by either side if we have a reason to meet."

Schmidt said conversation that takes place during mediation is confidential.

"We found it helpful. I hope both teams found it helpful," said MCEA President Fred Baker. "We might meet again."

Negotiators agreed in November to bring in a mediator. There is no cost to the union or district for using the state mediator  the service is provided through the Bureau of Employment Relations.

The contract for 620 teachers, school psychologists, physical therapists, media specialists, counselors, speech therapists, school social workers and occupational therapists represented by the MCEA expired in August. Employees are working under conditions of the old contract and MCEA representatives continue to negotiate with school officials.

The union was placed on the Michigan Education Association critical list in November. Bargaining units are put on the critical list when efforts to reach a contract stall or when bargaining has been unproductive. Members in critical units often increase efforts to inform the community about negotiations by picketing or distributing leaflets.

Being placed on the critical listing also means that the state organization will offer assistance such as leadership and guidance about the direction the union should take.